Green Pastures Recreation Area

Hike or bike 8 miles of forest trails and picnic by a small lake at a CCC-built park opened in 1940 for Black Virginians in the Allegheny Highlands.

201 Green Pasture Trail, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 · Clifton Forge, VA

About Green Pastures Recreation Area

Green Pastures was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the George Washington National Forest after an NAACP-led campaign, and opened in 1940 as a recreation area for African Americans during segregation. It was integrated in 1950, renamed Longdale in 1964, closed in 2017 and rededicated under its first name in 2021. Douthat State Park now runs the 133-acre day-use area, which has more than 8 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing in a small lake and Blue Suck Run, and a historic CCC picnic shelter. There is no swimming or camping here; Douthat has both nearby.

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#hiking
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What's around here?

The closest stops to Green Pastures Recreation Area, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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